“Fragrance-free” products do not contain added fragrances or masking substances, but some products labeled as such still contain artificial or natural fragrances. People buy fragrance-free products due to sensitivity or health concerns. Some workplaces and buildings are designated fragrance-free. Some governments are implementing stricter policies regarding fragrance ingredients.
The term “fragrance-free” describes a product that does not contain additional fragrances or substances designed to mask the underlying natural fragrance of the product. While this definition would seem cut and dry, a number of products with labels claiming they are fragrance-free actually contain artificial or natural fragrance or masking products, sometimes without a disclosure in the ingredients list. This is because government agencies have not formally created a definition and standard for such products.
People buy fragrance-free products for a variety of reasons. In most cases, people buy them because they are sensitive to smells; pregnant women, people on certain medications, and some natural individuals are simply extremely sensitive to perfumes, with cosmetic fragrances causing discomfort. Some people believe that added fragrances can cause health problems, especially in the case of artificial fragrances, which can be made from chemicals whose safety hasn’t been extensively tested. For these individuals, the purchase is based on health considerations.
A wide variety of fragrance-free products are available including soaps, body washes, baby powder, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and other personal care items. Some products are also designed to be all-natural to address concerns about potentially harmful chemicals. It is not uncommon for a fragrance-free product to have an odor, thanks to the natural ingredients in the product, but this odor is considered acceptable because it is a necessary part of the product. For example, a fragrance-free oatmeal, honey, and milk moisturizer may have a faint scent from the ingredients. Being totally odorless would actually be cause for suspicion, as it would indicate that chemicals were used to mask an odor.
Some workplaces, schools and other buildings have been designated fragrance-free in response to complaints from the people who work in those environments. In these situations, visitors are asked to refrain from wearing or using perfume out of respect for the people sharing the space and personal care products such as soap and moisturizer provided on-site will be fragrance-free. Such policies sometimes cause friction, with opponents dismissing claims by people reporting adverse reactions to fragrances.
Growing awareness of the issues surrounding fragrances has led some governments to attempt to formulate stricter policies regarding fragrance ingredients. In Canada, for example, manufacturers are required to list all ingredients, including trace amounts of fragrances, so consumers can make an informed choice when making a purchase.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
